French President Emmanuel Macron has said “there is no Plan B” on climate change, declaring that “there is no way” that France will negotiate a less ambitious climate deal after US President Donald Trump announced he is withdrawing America from the Paris accord.
Calling the President’s decision “a mistake” for the US and the planet, Mr Macron urged climate change scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs to go to France to continue their work.
“They will find in France a second homeland,” Mr Macron said in a video message from the Élysée Palace in Paris.
“I call on them,” he added. “Come and work here with us, work together on concrete solutions for our climate, our environment. I can assure you, France will not give up the fight.”
In his announcement at the White House, Mr Trump said he wants to “renegotiate” a fairer deal that would not disadvantage US businesses and workers.
The President said that by pulling out of the pact – which has been signed by almost 200 nations – he is keeping his campaign promise to stop international agreements that he believes disadvantage the US.
He said that “if we can get a deal, that's great. If not, that's fine.”
Mr Macron fired back at Mr Trump’s proposal, saying: “We will not renegotiate a less ambitious accord. There is no way.”
“Don't be mistaken on climate; there is no plan B because there is no planet B.”
Earlier, France had released a rare joint statement with Italy and Germany that dismissed Mr Trump’s suggestion that the Paris accord could be altered.
“We deem the momentum generated in Paris in December 2015 irreversible and we firmly believe that the Paris Agreement cannot be renegotiated since it is a vital instrument for our planet, societies and economies,” the leaders of the three countries said.
That statement followed a swift outcry from politicians including the former US President Barack Obama – whose administration negotiated the deal.
In his video message, Mr Macron said he had spoken by phone with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and would be speaking soon with other partners to discuss new initiatives.
Wires contributed to this report
